Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW)

𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and lived experience of people who have faced cancer, as well as the families, caregivers, and clinicians who support them.

At AOSW, we recognize that survivorship is not a single moment but an ongoing journey. Oncology social workers play a vital role in helping individuals and families navigate the emotional, practical, and psychosocial challenges that continue long after diagnosis and treatment.

We are proud to support professionals who walk alongside survivors every day, providing care, connection, advocacy, and hope across the continuum of cancer care.

This month, we celebrate survivors and reaffirm our commitment to advancing psychosocial oncology care that centers dignity, equity, and quality of life.

🌿 Applications are now open: ESPEC Oncology Cohort #2

50 competitive scholarships are available for a grant-funded, 12-month palliative care training program designed specifically for oncology social workers.

In collaboration with the University of Louisville, and MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, and supported by the National Cancer Institute (R25), ESPEC Oncology helps strengthen clinical skills, build leadership capacity, and deepen palliative care practice in oncology settings.

✨ What’s included:
• Online learning + monthly mentorship webinars
• In-person skills workshop in Chicago
• 37 CE credits
• Travel and hotel support for the workshop

📅 Applications are open through June 30, 2026 (rolling review begins June 15)

If you’re looking to grow your impact in oncology social work, this program is built for you.

👉 Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/43ag3kV

May is coming to a close, but 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 is a reminder of something that extends far beyond a single month: mental health is a core part of oncology care, survivorship, and caregiver support every day of the year.

To close out the month, we’re highlighting a past AOSW webinar that continues to resonate: 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀.

This recorded session explores how mental health is impacted after a cancer diagnosis for both patients and caregivers, why it must be treated as a critical component of oncology care, and practical strategies and resources to support both groups. It also addresses stigma and how clinicians can help patients and families navigate toward their “new normal.”

Led by Rachel Saks, MSS, LSW, OSW-C and Marcy Sansbury, MS from Cancer Support Community, this session offers both foundational learning for those newer to oncology social work and a meaningful refresher for experienced professionals. Members can access it for free, and continuing education credit is also available.

Because while May may be ending, the work of supporting mental health in oncology never does.

👉 Explore the recording here: https://bit.ly/4dWy0Z7

The May issue of AOSW Connections is now available, featuring a special focus on Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Oncology.

This issue explores the unique psychosocial challenges facing AYAs with cancer and highlights the critical role oncology social workers play in advocacy, survivorship, palliative care, fertility access, family support, and building community throughout the cancer journey.

Featured content includes:
• Young Adults with Cancer: Bridging the Gap in Care
• Hustle Culture and the AYA Cancer Survivor
• Supporting Survivorship in the AYA Oncology Population
• Social Work Leadership in AYA Oncology Care
• Oncofertility Awareness and Access
• Reflections from Young Adult Palliative Care
• An interview with Dr. Jen Currin-McCulloch and Adrianna Adams, LCSW
• And much more

Plus, hear from AOSW leadership in this month’s Editor’s and President’s messages, reconnect with colleagues through Connected Threads, and celebrate members in the return of AOSW Kudos.

Read the full issue of AOSW Connections today: https://bit.ly/4tYUiiT

As we get closer to the AOSW 2026 Annual Conference, we’re highlighting an important opportunity to connect with colleagues who share your professional interests: 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 (𝗦𝗜𝗚) 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀.

SIGs are a core part of AOSW membership, bringing together oncology social workers to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen practice. All members are welcome to join one or multiple SIGs.

Join us in Portland for these in-person SIG meetings:
• Brain Tumor SIG | Wed, June 10 | 4:45–5:45 PM
• Integrative Oncology SIG | Wed, June 10 | 4:45–5:45 PM
• Patient Navigation SIG | Wed, June 10 | 4:45–5:45 PM
• Radiation Therapy SIG | Wed, June 10 | 4:45–5:45 PM
• Spirituality SIG | Thu, June 11 | 4:15–5:15 PM

Each SIG offers a dedicated space for networking, education, resource sharing, and advancing psychosocial oncology practice in your specialty area.

👉 Register for and connect with your SIG community in person in Portland: https://bit.ly/4sDqeZH

100 Years of VA Social Work — A Century of Compassionate Service

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of social work at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - a century of compassionate service that has shaped the lives of millions of veterans and their families. VA social workers serve as the cornerstone of holistic veteran care, connecting service members to mental health resources, housing assistance, benefits navigation, and community support. In the realm of oncology, VA social workers play a particularly vital role: they guide veterans through the emotional and logistical challenges of a cancer diagnosis, coordinating care across multidisciplinary teams, providing psychosocial counseling, and supporting both veterans and caregivers through every stage of treatment and survivorship. Their work ensures that the fight against cancer is never faced alone.

To every veteran and service member — thank you. You answered the call, carried the weight of freedom on your shoulders so that others could live safely and freely. Your courage, sacrifice, and devotion to this nation will never be forgotten. You are seen, you are honored, and you are deeply valued.

And to the VA social workers who have walked alongside our veterans for 100 years — thank you. You show up not just as professionals, but as advocates, listeners, and champions for those who have given so much. Through cancer diagnoses, mental health struggles, and the quiet battles no one else sees, you are there — steady, compassionate, and unwavering. Your work changes lives every single day. This centennial belongs to you.

With profound gratitude — 1926 to 2026, and beyond. 🎖️

Join the Association of Cancer Care Centers for an upcoming webinar focused on advancing the implementation and sustainability of Collaborative Care Models in oncology.

Thursday, May 28 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘴 & 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴
In partnership with APOS American Psychosocial Oncology Society, Association of Oncology Social Work, and American College of Healthcare Executives, this session will bring together leading experts to explore the administrative and operational foundations needed to successfully implement Collaborative Care.

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
• Dr. Jesse Fann (Fred Hutch Cancer Center)
• Dr. William Pirl (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
• Dr. Tom Lynch (Fred Hutch Cancer Center)
• Shelly Anderson, MPM (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the tools and strategies needed to:
✔️ Build a compelling business case for Collaborative Care
✔️ Streamline workflows and operational processes
✔️ Strengthen program management and long-term sustainability

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀:
• Identify key administrative tools and resources for implementation
• Develop a business case to support adoption and sustainability
• Apply strategies to enhance operational efficiency

Participants may earn 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 1 𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗘 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 toward initial certification or recertification of the FACHE designation.

If you're working to expand integrated, team-based care in oncology, this session will offer practical insights to support your next steps.

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4dt3Koo

⏰ 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼!

Cancer doesn’t just affect patients. It impacts entire families, especially when patients are also raising young children.

Join us next Thursday for AOSW’s upcoming webinar:
𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
🗓 Thursday, May 21, 2026
⏰ 1:00–2:00 PM ET

As cancer rates continue to rise among adults aged 30–39, more patients are navigating treatment while caring for their children. This webinar will explore how healthcare professionals can better support parents through the emotional, practical, and psychosocial challenges that come with balancing cancer care and parenting.

Led by Carissa Hodgson, LCSW, OSW-C, Director of Programs at Bright Spot Network, this session will cover:
✔️ The unique challenges faced by parents with cancer
✔️ The 4 essential needs of patients balancing treatment and parenting
✔️ Practical strategies for talking to children about cancer
✔️ Resources that reduce isolation and build confidence for families

🎓 1.0 CE credit available for purchase
📌 Beginner level | Clinical/General category

👉 Register today: https://bit.ly/4tdarln

Join us at as we celebrate the 2026 AOSW Fellows Cohort and honor four exceptional leaders whose work has made a lasting impact on psychosocial oncology.

Congratulations to:
✨ Jane Dabney, MSW, LISW-S, OSW-C
✨ Myra Glajchen, DSW, MSW, BSW, ACSW, APHSW-C
✨ Bryan Miller, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
✨ Anao Zhang, PhD, LCSW, ACSW, OSW-C, ACBT

These distinguished professionals have advanced the field through clinical excellence, leadership, research, education, mentorship, and service to the oncology social work community.

The Fellows will be formally recognized during the Welcome & Awards session on Wednesday, June 10, from 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM at the AOSW 2026 Annual Conference.

Please join us in celebrating their incredible contributions to oncology social work and patient-centered cancer care.

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4sDqeZH

Kick off your experience with one of four in-depth pre-conference workshops designed to strengthen clinical skills and deepen oncology social work practice.

📅 Tuesday, June 9, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎓 Earn up to 4.0 CE Credits

Choose from expert-led sessions on:
• Advanced clinical case conceptualization
• Foundations of oncology social work practice
• Integrating photovoice and art into survivorship care
• Supporting patients experiencing “chemo brain” and cancer-related cognitive impairment

Whether you're new to oncology social work or looking to expand your expertise, these workshops offer practical tools, evidence-based strategies, and meaningful peer learning opportunities ahead of the Annual Conference.

Advance registration is required.
🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4sDqeZH